GB652942A - Improvements in or relating to aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

652,942. Aircraft. WARNER D. K. July 24, 1948, No. 19871. [Class 4] An aircraft comprises an aerofoil member 3 having at least one depression 30 formed in its upper surface, which depression enlarges rearwardly into a passage 31 extending downwardly and rearwardly through the member and a propeller 33 for impelling air through the passage, the cross-section of which increases progressively and the underside 48 of the member is rearwardly and upwardly inclined to cause the pressure of the air passing beneath the aerofoil to increase. The aircraft shown is amphibious, having fuselages 1, 2 acting as floats. An upper aerofoil member 40 is provided to increase the air flow over the surface 34 to increase the lift thereof. The member 46 is also of aerofoil section and is arranged to give a diffuser effect and thus produce high lift on surfaces 44, 45. For takeoff and landing, hinged flaps 50, 51 are lowered, by cylinders 54, 59 to the position shown in broken lines and the flaps 70, 74 are lowered and form a seal with the ground or water. The engines 36 then circulate air through a slot 62 and over the upper surface of member 3. Retractable stabilizers 11, 13 are provided, the former mounting elevons 12. The tail wheel 21 is retractable and steerable front wheels (not shown) are provided. Fig. 6 shows an embodiment designed to produce high lift. Flaps 251, 274 are arranged to form a sea] with the ground and slots 262, 316 are formed by flaps 250, 280 for circulation of air through passage 230 and around main aerofoil member 293, the slots opening and closing automatically to stabilize the aircraft. A vent 360 allows air to be sucked from within the plane to control the boundary layer. Specifications 592,756 and 593,032 are referred to.